Affirmation of the painting
Portuguese painting, subject to various influences, became famous in the 15th century. From that time on, churches were enriched by pictorial creations inspired by Flemish painting. The attention to detail and the use of oil painting are to the credit of the Flemish. The most famous Portuguese painter, Nuno Gonçalves (1448-1481), was clearly influenced by both the Flemish and Italian styles. His polyptych of São Vincente da Fora is considered the first group representation and the first psychological painting in European art. This taste for portraiture, manifested by wealthy people who wanted to show themselves in their finest attire, led Portuguese painters to perfect their technique in the tradition of Nuno Gonçalves. The largest collection of portraits in Portugal can be found at the MMIPO - Misericórdia Museum in Porto. In addition to these 500 portraits, it houses valuable Flemish paintings as well as altarpieces and religious sculptures. Religious scenes were particularly prized in the 16th century. With the rapid circulation of images, the Flemish influence became stronger. A representation of Saint Peter, painted in 1530 by Vasco Fernandes, known as Grão Vasco, shows a typical northern European landscape in the background. Another characteristic of Portuguese painting of this period is the impact that the discovery of Brazil had on the imagination of artists. In a famous representation of the Adoration of the Magi from 1503, Melchior becomes Brazilian.
Azulejos, between tradition and modernity
In the 17th century, painting on earthenware tiles became a predominant mode of artistic expression. In the 18th century, in the middle of the Baroque period, these tiles, often blue and white, form panels evoking biblical, mythological or natural scenes. In the Soares Reis Museum, housed in the former Carrancas Palace, there are many examples of these tiles, as well as paintings and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries. In Porto, the chapel das Almas, built at the end of the 18th century, is famous for its azulejos. Almost 15,000 blue tiles cover the entire exterior. This work, signed by Eduardo Lait, relates the lives of the saints. The tradition has been perpetuated in the streets of Porto by the most famous Portuguese painter today, Joana Vasconcelos. Her fresco of azulejos pays homage to Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
Resolutely contemporary art
In the 1990s, the situation in the country resulted in the general closure of art galleries in Lisbon, with the exception of the historic ZDB gallery. Little by little, Porto channels the quasi-majority of the Portuguese galleries. At the end of the 1990s, Porto had an offer of exhibition places adapted to the market, which valued an eclectic panel of artists. Its position was confirmed with the creation of the Serralves Foundation where the Museum of Contemporary Art is located. Designed by the architect Siza Vieira, the foundation's museum aims to promote contemporary art. It features works of art from 1970 to the present day. Permanent and temporary exhibitions present contemporary Portuguese and international artists, including a major Miró exhibition that has a worldwide impact. From video to plastic installation, the work of art is presented in multiple forms.
Bombarda, the arts district
In the heart of the city of Porto, a concentration of art galleries has sprung up around Miguel Bombarda Street. Every two months, these spaces organize a collective vernissage that also brings together the galleries near the Palácio de Cristal and the D. Filipa de Lencastre. To guide your stroll through Bombarda, we recommend a stop at Galeria Presença, dedicated to contemporary art, on the main street. Created in the troubled 1960s, Galeria Sao Mamede supports Portuguese art. Founded in 1993, Galeria Fernando Santos promotes the best of the best and finds the best of the best. The gallery's exhibitions are often hosted by renowned foreign museums. Galeria Nuno Centeno combines Portuguese and international art through all contemporary means of expression. Directed by artists, A Certain Lack of Coherence is a platform for creation. Therefore, its role is decisive in the affirmation of Porto on the international scene. Haven't selected your hotel yet? The Gallery Hostel combines accommodation and exhibitions of local talent. What if it was the perfect introduction to the artistic sensibility of Northern Portugal?
Street art: the beating heart
If nowadays any excursion in Porto reserves discoveries, street art has not always been well seen. The mayor in power between 2000 and 2013 erased all forms of artistic expression present in the streets of the city. Of course, the artists were not impressed. As soon as they were erased, they were repainted! The most committed were given the slogan "Continua a pintar": keep painting. The next mayor has put street art back in the spotlight, allocating dedicated spaces and commissioning local artists. Lisbon may have Vhils, an internationally renowned street artist, but Porto is not to be outdone. Costah, the local master, scatters his rounded, smiling characters on the city's colorful walls. The abstract frescoes that animate the urban space are surely signed by Hazul, a graffiti artist who has been practicing for more than twenty years. Nowadays, street art is part of the soul of Porto. You can find it everywhere.
At the time when Portugal was less flourishing, urban art contributed to express the voice of a country hit by the crisis, to express the criticisms of a people but also to bring joy to neglected neighborhoods. Since the city of Porto has regained its glory, street art is experiencing a renewed vitality. Lovers know how quickly this art is renewed. The best advice would be to look up during your walks, especially in the center. Graffiti sometimes lurks high up. From the walls, they sometimes spread to the electric bollards, as in the vicinity of the rua Santa Catarina. As far as collages are concerned, beautiful specimens adorn the area around Sao Bento station. An art in movement that says a lot about the energy that has never stopped animating Porto!
